Monthly Column by Carol Dean-Porter |
COMMUNICATION
Riding and showing horses is a sport which
requires not only the physical capability and training of both horse and rider but also a
communication between the partners.
Many people think they can force a horse to perform. Humans are not strong enough to force
an animal the size of a horse to jump if he does not want to, and the use of force never
creates a happy partner!
Technique, patience and sympathy for the animal are much more important than physical
strength.
Riders use "aids" for communication purposes.
The natural aids are voice, hands legs and seat. The voice can calm and encourage the
horse. The hands guide and regulate the stride. Seat and legs encourage and support.
Riders should always remember to use leg before hand. Remember that the horse's engine is
in the back and there must be energy from the hind legs!
The artificial aids are bits, crops and spurs as well as other training devices.
Bits which are sharp or rough give the rider more "attention getting" capability
but can do damage to the sensitive mouth and cause the horse to become frightened or
resentful of the rider's hand. It is a good policy to always use the mildest bit possible
to maintain a relaxed and happy relationship between the partners.
Spurs and crops should be used as a backup to leg, if the horse is unwilling or slow to
respond to calf pressure. Caution needs to be exercised in using spurs on an uneducated
leg because constant rubbing or banging with a spur will cause the horse to become
anxious, irritated and upset or to just ignore the leg entirely.
Crops should be used on the ribs, not the flank, behind the rider's leg when necessary.
The crop should never be used in place of leg, but as a back up, and secondary
encouragement or correction.
Riders should strive to make the use of their
aids "invisible." Obvious aids are penalized in the show ring. The best riders
give the appearance of doing nothing! The winners in all divisions are usually the ones
who have a great rapport and feel for the animal and the partners who truly enjoy their
jobs.
Carol's
Monthly Columns
